HISTORY OF THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS During the summer of 1867, about twelve soldiers of the 10th Cavalry were engaged in a six-hour battle with 300 Cheyenne Warriors. When the battle ended due to darkness, Seminole scouts spying on the Cheyenne camp overheard them referring to the black soldiers as Buffalo Soldiers. Later, they learned the nickname was a badge of honor. Three reasons pertaining to the buffalo, which Native Americans held in high esteem, were given for the soldiers' nickname: (1) the soldiers were first seen in the winter of 1866 wearing buffalo robes, (and some say the Native Americans thought they resembled buffaloes). (2) They fought like a wounded buffalo. (3) The soldiers' hair resembled the buffalo's mane. July 28, 1966, a group of former WW II veterans gathered to reminisce about their experiences. Realizing one hundred years ago their predecessors began paving the way for them, the 9th & 10th (Horse (to distinguish it from modern cavalry units)) Cavalry Association was formed. In 1985, the charter of the 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association was transferred from the State of Missouri to Junction City, KS. The association has grown to over 800 registered members, and 18 chapters with one located in Germany. Unfortunately, some veterans were not discharged as 9th or 10th cavalrymen or 24th or 25th infantrymen and are unaware that they are "Buffalo Soldiers." The association is trying to locate some of these veterans and bring them into the organization. Others know, but prefer not to get involved because memories are too painful. | |
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